He is My Crutch, and That is Why I Stand Strong

I lead a Sunday school for the college students at Gatecity a few weeks back. I spent a good amount of time planning and taking notes on what to say, and it ended up being a pretty good class if I do say so myself. Was it my preparation, no. How about my thought provoking questions, no. In fact I did not use one single note or prepared question. The night before I was suppose to lead the class around 11:59 pm while I was putting the finishing touches on my message, I decided to give my message completely to God. I wanted to see what he had in store for me, the results were outstanding

The plan, of this non-planed study, was to take the stigma off having a Christ filled conversation. A spiritual high does not need to be attained in the confines of a Church structure, or with a formal meeting of the spiritual minds. When the belief in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, is the most important detail of your life, as it should be, then you should not need a planed agenda to bring up His Almighty name.

This approach of trying to have a untailored conversation in an every-day kind of situation was slightly complicated. Considering it was not in every-day kind of situation, chillin with friends. It was a Sunday school at Church kind of situation, making the spontaneity part of my message hard to display. Another small hiccup in leading was, I was still a leader of a message, so I could not fake that fact that I did have an idea of what I was going to say. It is hard to go to sleep knowing 5-15 people are investing about an hour of their life they can't get back, in what you have to say, and not think at least a little about what you are going to fill that time with. Granted I knew and know if I want to make sure their investments returned plentiful I need to depend on the only One who is truly good, God. That is truly what I tried to do, but that doesn't change the truth that there was a hiccup in trying to demonstrate that God can be seen everywhere. Everywhere evens includes our classes, the music we listen to, and especially the people we encounter, and we should not be afraid of noticing, and bringing it up to the ones around us.

I will be the first to admit it didn't go perfect, but we as the human race can't achieve perfection, and besides it wasn't bad. We started out sharing our highs and lows which is what was the best part of our week and what was the worst, something that might need prayer or need to be given to God. Afterwards I kind of awkwardly tried taking off the stigma by pointing out the observation that you will be hard pressed to find a profitable movie in western civilization that does not have a Christian motif. This point was made clear to me in one of my classes at Ecu matter of fact, it was a New Testament class but still it was taught in a secular viewpoint. After this people started sharing other places they noticed Christian motifs, or heard of a inspiring story sparked by a few people out of church focused on God.

So despite the complexity and the hiccups God worked through me, and other people in the room, to talk about how God is at work in every single life, and how regular situations can be amplified with the joy that comes from deliberately discussing and bringing glory to the giver of life Jesus Christ.

And the Dust Gathers

I was sitting on my bed hunched over a Rubbermaid container, were my computer and at the time my Bible laid, formulating a foundation for “The Boro Experience”, a small group I am trying to start up in Greensboro during the summer, when an unfortunate revelation accrued. The revelation was this; I bought a stack of paper back bibles somewhere in the ballpark of seven months ago, as I have been known to do from time to time as my supplies run low, but this last shipment has not run low. This last shipment of 7-12 bibles, have somehow made like bunnies and multiplied, or so it seems.

Those bibles are a tangible but hypothetical slap across my apathetic cheek. This apathy doesn’t stem from not peddling the hopefully addictive substance on the street fast enough. No, it stems from not being on the street with the substance, the light, the living water, at least attracting traffic, with a shining example of what’s inside the book. Does God take one day off giving all living creatures the air we breathe, or the gravitational pull that keeps us on this planet He made, or the life we take for granted? Then should we, those who are truly saved by His grace, take one day off trying our best to bring Him glory? I have not turned from His path and started walking in the opposite direction. I do not write my constructive criticism to myself from the depth of the lowest rocks, I simply write to urge all of His followers to take up God’s armor and wear it proudly in the world. Dust accumulated due to apathy is detrimental to one’s fire for God.

The Lone Wolf's Cry for Help

A blog post is well over due, not because of the amount of days that have passed since the last one, but because, the amount of stuff that I have been presented to write about but didn't. The primary reasons for this neglect is; I was finding less significant things to devote with the time God gave me, largely in part because of the difficulty I was having writing on a subjected I was trying to force out. I thought just because I had a sweet title I should finish writing the whole thing, even though I wasn't in a place in my life to do the subject justice.

I am sure I am not alone in being stubborn to having it my own way. It can be hard to walk a path that someone else picked out for you, even when that someone else is perfect and has plan for you to prosper. The flaw of being a lone wolf is a clear trait of mine when thinking of titles. I enjoy titling things, so when I have the responsibility to pick a title, I usual automatically dismiss all title people suggest to me. I am stubborn and prideful in thinking I can think of the best title.

That is the same thing that happen with my blog I had a great title picked out and a few well constructed sentences that rolled off the tongue, and suddenly I started thinking I, by my own power, I need to make this post a killer good one. Well that was riddled with flaws, first of all my goodness comes from the Father. [ Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow] -James 1:17-, and another thing it's not about how it reads but the authenticity and meaning behind the words I write. This blog is more for me then for anyone else, it is a way to stay close to Christ read back and see how he has worked through me, and the "you" sentences are directed specifically at me when I read them over again. Honestly, I need that sometimes, a straight call out or recall for encouragement, from someone I know and trust, me. "You" mustn't forget the reason behind your action or you have forgotten where you placed the heart.

This isn't a post on one issue there is a few things in there but I am not going to try to separate the issues, I am going to trust in God that He will provided what needs to be provided out of this to the reader, including , but, if I may be so blessed, not limited to myself.

I am, are you?

For my English class I had to write a paper to describe myself in 5 objects. We couldn’t use characteristic traits or desirable personality adjectives; this is not a E-date site quiz question. Anyways my paper is posted below, I found this assignment thought provoking on whom we are and how we betray ourselves. These are 5 objects that describe me what 5 objects are you…why?

I am a hanging Cross, a Bible that is being worn out, a simply ring, a receipt in the back of my draw, and I am a t-shirt. These are five things that I am, five things that best describes who I am. All of these things can be found on my body or in my room at anytime. This is because I believe what best represents who we are, are the things we represent.

I am a hanging cross above my bed, because it represents that the Lord is my peace and comfort. My nights are a little easier when I have that symbolic reminder that the Lord died for my sins, and I have nothing to fear. I keep my nights more restful by remembering what I have already received.

I am a Bible filled with highlighted verses, because it represents my commitment I made when I was saved. It documents the fact that I am constantly trying to bring glory to His name, with my mind body and spirit. For I know the inspired word of God brings great wisdom to the reader, and strengthens their Christian walk. It is for those reasons I can be found in the Bible on my desk.

I am a matching set of rings, because it represents the earthly relationship I am in with my girlfriend. I received this part of me from Lane, even before we went out, as a theatrical addition to our witty banter. However at that time it was just a metal loop colored white and gold, it didn’t become part of me in till much later. It became a representative of who I am, the day I realized the ring foreshadowed the relationship that was to come. I am the ring that holds many memories of Lane.

I am a nine year old crinkled receipt to target, because it represents my loyalty to my best friend of ten years, Michael. On me you will find the price of two remote controlled cars plus tax equals a lifetime of memories. Although my ink is faded if you look close enough you can still see the red and blue cars racing the home made tracks around my house. I am not the cars, for the cars are lost and broken, but I am the proof that, my memories are real.

I am a T-shirt with no name brand, because it represents the fact that I am not concerned with impressing a society that is impressed with money. I don’t put high value on money but I put an even lower value on the label on my t-shirts. I am a humble shirt purchased at good will, and proudly made in America. On my chest I don’t have a man on a horse or a check mark, but I have the words “sould out 4 Him” with a picture of a cross. I believe the material things that represent us should and do reflect our identities, our faith.

College and Career: Sermon

This is my College and Career outline, but before I go into that I want to apologies for not getting a post out sooner. As I said early the time between posts does not necessarily reflect my walk. This time it defiantly did not, I have so much that God has blessed me with that I haven’t shared yet but want to. I just didn’t listen to my own advice and I was waiting to have a huge block of time with nothing to do so I could work on my blog, because that’s one way I get closer to God. When I could have just done a little here or a little there, or not worry so much about how it reads, His word never comes back void, I am not writing a great American novel, I am sharing the love He bestowed on me.
Now, this is my outline for the first half of my sermon

The Steps of Trusting

I contemplated the theme of the message I was going to bring today switching several times form what it means to be a Christian, to Christmas day has past but the Spirit is not done and many other in between. Why? Why was it so hard for me to know what His will was and is for me to lead on? I was in pray about it, I am doing it to bring glory to His name so why is He not answering me?

Interactive: How many of you have been in a similar situation, wanting Gods guidance but not knowing where you are being lead, or having difficulty trusting Him and following Him? It is hard when our fleshly temptations contradict the spiritual nourishment we need, the flesh or the brokenness of this world is growing in power daily it seems. Even when we keep in mind the Spirit is always stronger if we utilize the strength the Lord gives us, because admittedly doing what we our called to do can be difficult at times, for it requires submitting ourselves to our deserving God. However I find this process can sometimes be just as difficult, if not more so when many of the options before you seem good and godly. That is why I was and am so diligent about my selection on what message to bring. It’s because it doesn’t always have to be a fight against right and wrong. It’s about doing our best to follow the path that He HAS guided for us. Is anyone willing to share their story of a time when you had a chose to make and you either chose to follow the Lords path or chose to ignore His guidance? It doesn’t have to be a life changing thing the truth is God is relevant to our entire life. Some may argue that if we add up all our daily chooses we make in a year and could somehow measure the impact it had against three of the biggest chooses in our life the daily chooses would make a larger impacted.
(Feel free to take time to answer this question with a comment, but I urge you to at least take time to think about the answer for yourself)

Alright now my question is what’s the difference, why do we listen to Him one time but not some other time? He always gives us the means to not only hear Him but obey Him as well. It ultimately comes down to trusting Him to be the Lord of your life if you truly trust Him then you will know His will is what’s best for you. It also helps to dive in to His word this verse popped in my head when I was activity trying to figure what to lead on “…You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities… Matthew 25:21 I didn’t remember the line verbatim, or where in the Bible I read it I just knew it was the inspired word of God, therefore the truth.

I know Jesus could do a much better job of explaining just how significant that single sentence is. I would like you to follow along as I read Parable of the Three Servants, and underline and write down things you find interesting about this chapter or any thoughts you may have on these verses.
Matthew 25:14-30

(At this point I proceeded to read Matthew 25:14-30 than lead a group discussion on it. I lead it similar to how Inner Varsity or IV runs. This method is to make observations about the text, interrupt the meaning and apply the text to our lives today. Unfortunately I left my copy of that at home because I hand write it.)

Concerning Christians

Hey Mus, I am doing very well my faith continues to grow blessing me regardless the circumstances. How are you doing at school and in life in general? I want you to feel free to email me at kap0320@ecu.edu so we can have a less public conversation, if you so desire if not I would still love for you to let me know your thoughts on my blog.

This has been the most difficult comment to respond to because; although it’s true it’s not right. It is an accurate statement that we all fall short of His glory and do not represent Him justly; however some are calling on His name without believing in Him in their hearts. I cannot make that determination only God can know someone’s heart, but when someone’s tongue and actions don’t coincide it is only by God’s power that any good comes from that person. If a person talks of God but acts of this earth, not only is that persons walk unhealthy it may be nonexistent. Also their false witness leads people away from the Lord. The doctrine they claim to have faith in is very clear what happens to people who live a double life or who find their faith unimportant. [So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.] Revelation 3:16 It is better to be cold in the faith then lukewarm for at least when you are cold you are not slandering the name of the Lord with your actions.

I do not write this message on a high throne; I myself have lead people away from the light with my actions. I confessed faith in my Savior many years before I believed in my heart of His divinity. It was during this time when I was the less useful to the one who is the Almighty Amen. It may be my firsthand experiences that let me know how detrimental a sinful lifestyle from a claimed Christian can be to His kingdom. I now pray I live a life that will show people His love and not lead a single soul, which He loves and values so very much, an inch farther from His path. Instead I pray I have the faith and strength to bring glory to His name with each and every one of my actions.

I want to commend you for distinguishing that the way these prejudices people you talk of live, is not the way Christ called us to live. It is for that reason I ask you not to look towards a flawed middle man to judge the truth in Christianity. And note a religious “Church goer” my not be a follow of Christ. When Jesus physical walked this earth many of the people who prosecuted Him, were the proud Pharisees. These very religious leaders nailed the Truth on the cross and tried to kill Him. Tried being the key word the truth can be covered and suppressed by the human flesh but never destroyed.

Serving

You may be the only Bible somebody reads. Do you portray the truth as accurately as humanly possible? Or do you hide your “play world” magazine inside your bible. In other words do you have the religion of Christianity without having the salvation from Christ?

If you do have the salvation only secured by the Messiah, then you are then called to follow the Master the Lord of all. [I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.] -John 13:15- If you are not saved, you first must understandable that God’s sacrifice was incomprehensible and at bare minimal deservers our all, in order to serve Him well. So I urge the nonbelievers and weak believers to first strengthen their relationship with Him before taking this next step of servitude to the creator of all. While keeping in mind that there is no such thing as a stagnate Christian we are either moving towards or away from Christ.

Jesus did not just tell us how to live He showed us, just as we are not called to know how to live but to live as we know we how to. [You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave…] -Philippians 2:5-7a-. This is a hard truth to swallow; we like to think that we are good enough, that we deserve to live a life that is better than that of a slave. Which is true but not because of our works, Jesus was perfect and even He washed the feet of those around Him. We are not worthy to even be His slave but, because of His grace we may serve Him as is the example He left us. [You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.]- John 15:14-15-.

For Jesus our Creator, Savior, and debt payer to call us friend means more than I even know, more than I can begin to describe. He is all these things for us and only asks that we follow what He was willing to do Himself. His command is love, so love we will. We who follow Christ will love all His children not just the ones who might benefit us, and we who felt His grace shall serve and worship Him and Him alone, not false idols such as money, fame, or flesh. I pray the receivers of grace and the followers of the Great one may submit there lives to Him so they may receive their blessings.